AMHERST, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - The shortest day of the year is coming up on Sunday with it being the first day of winter. To celebrate the winter solstice, UMass Amherst is hosting a special event.

Members of the Astronomy Department invited the public to take a peek through a telescope, and observe the moment the sun reaches its southern-most position relative to the stars.

UMass astronomers will also be there to explain the phenomenon as you gather around to watch. The event is happening from 7 a.m. Sunday morning to 3:30 a.m. in the afternoon, as long as weather holds up.

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